Objective: This study evaluated "in vitro" the consistency of the water coolant supply for five ultrasonic scaler systems in relation to the tip type and different coolant settings.
Material and methods: The systems were: EMS PM-400, EMS PM-600, Satelec P-max, Dürr Vector and Dentsply Cavitron. For each system, three units were used and on each unit various tips were tested. The tips were run unloaded for 1 min. at full and medium water supply setting.
Results: At full water coolant setting, the PM-400, PM-600 and Cavitron supplied on average >45 ml/min. of water coolant (51.5, 46.3 and 46.9 ml/min., respectively). The P-max supplied 25 ml/min. and the Vector supplied 4.9 ml/min. At medium setting, the PM-400 and PM-600 supplied approximately 50% of the volume given at the full coolant setting (25.0 and 26.3 ml/min., respectively). The Cavitron supplied approximately 40% at medium setting (18.2 ml/min.) and the P-max supplied approximately 25% (5.7 ml/min.).
Conclusion: The coolant control system of the different units did not provide a reliable indication of the water flow. Also, some perio tips gave less water coolant as compared with other tips of the same brand. Consequently, a change of tips during treatment may require adjustment of the water coolant supply.